EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 8,372	$ 7,154
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	30,806	29,809
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 8,372	$ 7,154
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	30,806	29,809
Common stock options	0	3
Unvested restricted stock	80	78
Total Shares	30,886	29,890